DE69834427T2 - skateboard - Google Patents

Abstract

An in-line skateboard (10) includes a frame (18) located between-aligned wheels (14, 16). The frame (18) is pivotally connected at (32) to a leading wheel (14) by means of a fork member (30) which extends from an axle (15) of the wheel (14). The pivotal connection (32) is disposed below the level of the axle (15).

Description

SHORT DESCRIPTION THE INVENTION

The The present invention relates to a skateboard.

AREA OF INVENTION

at usual Rollers are a total of four wheels with a pair in front and one arranged behind. All wheels have a very small diameter to fit under the board, each pair having a single axis that is skewed at one Articulated that provides steering over the inner wheels, which are moved towards each other when the driver puts his weight on this Side shifted, with the outer wheels on the not weighted side of the skateboard moved away from each other become. The steering is thus provided by all four wheels at once.

The Disadvantages of the conventional The skateboard design is that the small wheels are extreme sensitive to are irregular surfaces, so their use on all surfaces is impractical and dangerous, that are not very flat. Attempts have been made to such Overcome problems by producing larger size wheels. Resulting from larger wheels but a higher one Board (causing instability originates) or a much wider construction (where the bigger wheels over the Extending board edge), making the skateboard too unwieldy and cumbersome becomes. The conventional Therefore, skateboard construction has been limited to relatively flat surfaces since its inception.

In an attempt to break away from the limitations of conventional To announce skateboards, new designs have been proposed. One such construction was by Barachet, which is a two-wheeled skateboard suggested that both wheels like a scooter along a central axis (in a line) are aligned. The construction included a self-steering Front wheel, a fixed rear wheel and a two-piece board, whose first part for the front foot between the two wheels and its second part for the back foot behind the rear wheel was arranged.

Bacherets Construction included a front wheel, that by a fork with a Pivot point was held in front of the center of the front wheel. If you tilt yourself on one side of the skateboard, allows a front joint, that the front wheel is turning in the right direction while doing so the skateboard steers. It has been found that these devices during the Turning the front wheel extremely unstable and very difficult to drive are.

It has now been discovered that the reason for this instability in it is that the Gabelgelenkpunkt the front wheel is higher as the wheel axle. This means that the weight of the driver is above the Center of the wheel rests, which leads to considerable instability and the device essentially impractical and therefore not makes it commercially usable.

Further was discovered that - there the hinge point over the axis of the front wheel is located - the arc through which the Wheel pivots at its rotation, is concave relative to the ground. This has the most undesirable Effect that the wheel to the outer ends is rotated when the weight of the driver weighs on the skateboard.

A Variant of Barachets construction can be found in Kroher's developed German Grassboards. Kroher only took the following two changes at Barachets construction before: the front wheel pivot point is located horizontally in line with the axis, and the only rear wheel became by two juxtaposed, a short distance from each other removed wheels replaced. It is obvious that the double rear wheels replace the single wheel to give some stability to the skateboard as an attempt so that it can be driven easier. As the lateral stability required that is provided by the double rear wheels goes however, the feature of even transition when turning page Lost to the side, a two-wheeled inline skateboard theoretically offers.

In US-A-3876217 discloses another skateboard which also a Vorderradgelenkpunkt having horizontally in a Line with the axis of the front wheel is located. This device is in To use couples.

The The present invention aims to provide some, if not all, of the foregoing To reduce problems.

SUMMARY THE INVENTION

According to one Aspect of the present invention is an inline skateboard provided the one along extending frame, which receives aligned wheels, the wheels on axles are attached and one of the wheels a foremost steering wheel, characterized in that the frame articulated with the foremost steering wheel in one place below and is connected in front of the axle of this wheel.

Preferably, a fork element with the Axis of the foremost steering wheel connected and one end of the frame hingedly connected to the fork element at a location below the axis of the or each wheel.

preferred a front end of the frame is hinged with a front end of the fork element at a location in front of and below the axis of the foremost one steering wheel connected.

It it was found out that when looking at the front fork joint point lower than (and ahead of) the axis of the foremost steering wheel lays, indeed for stability What emerges from a convex arc is the foremost one steering wheel during its pivoting by its angle of rotation forms. It was found out that the load of the driver's weight therefore automatically the foremost directing Wheel centered and straightened, ensuring stability and controllability arises.

Of the The pivot point is preferably not set so low that it is uneven terrain hits the ground. He is generally placed as deep as practicable without doing so Inappropriate problems with ground clearance occur. The farther the hinge point, however, over raised the ground is, the less stable and manageable the skateboard becomes present invention. As a result, there is a trade-off between stability and ground clearance. It has generally been found that the fork element preferably at an angle in the range of 10-45 degrees, preferably 20-25 degrees, opposite the horizontal can be arranged. The fork element angle itself is an imaginary one Line going from the wheel axle over the exact center of the fork joint runs down to the ground. Of the Joint arc angle is perpendicular to it and is an imaginary line, which runs along the axis of the joint.

It was also found in the present invention that the Use of relatively large Wheel sizes like for example, of at least 300 mm diameter increases the stability of the system. In practice, it turned out that the preferred wheel diameter normally in the range of 400-600 mm.

The Stability, provided by the skateboard of the present invention is such that no wheel alignment springs or return springs necessary to support driving. Even if the front wheel during execution of jumps and the like (if no rider weight is on the skateboard) swiveling away from the center, the front wheel automatically straightens straightened and stabilized once the weight is back on the skateboard overloaded. Furthermore, it has been found that the fork element together with the bike connected to it should be able to do very well to turn freely.

Therefore It is preferred that one or more sealed roller bearings be good quality be used in the hinge mechanism to ensure that the joint can always turn freely. Sealed groove bearings make a good example of a suitable type because they are designed to be huge Withstand loads from different directions and avoid dirt to let.

It It was also found out that instead of a straight frame with a flat board can favor a frame that faces the front most outward bent is (um for enough to make the front wheel turn) towards the center bent is (which may be the lowest, the bottom next area) and towards the back again something outward bent is an adequate one Width for the rear foot position provide. Furthermore, the widest points are usually the highest Locations to provide sufficient ground clearance during rotations; the narrowest places can closest to the ground be. This type of complex 3D curve also relates to one on construction and aesthetics better frame ready.

When Alternatively, a single frame tube is possible from the joint up and around this (directly above the adjacent wheel) down to one reasonable height over the board the ground and back to a point where it divides into two sections can be split to carry the rear wheel.

When another accessory you can integrate a brake, which is typical like a scooter with brake pads and actuators attached, which act on the rear wheel. However, it is intended that the driver could hold a brake lever in one hand, with the brake lever flexible over a rope on the brake pads is attached. That way you can Drivers are still in surfing / snowboarding style while they move their hands freely can, which holds the brake lever due to the flexible rope. This offers the extra Advantages of having the rolling of the roller board of the present Invention can prevent when it is unattended, and that the driver the opportunity has intentionally let the rear wheel slip during hard braking and from steep hills out with a controlled by light to moderate braking speed straight down to drive.

There are two other alternatives available which are the skateboard of the present invention prevent it from rolling down a hill after descending. The first is a wrist strap similar to that used by boogie boarders while surfing. The belt consists of a wrapped piece of an elastomeric cord with Velcro fasteners on each end (one for the wrist and the other for the frame of the skateboard).

The Another alternative is a specially built brake that works with the rear foot is pressed. In this case, a spring-loaded button can be provided which moves up through the board, where the back Foot positioned becomes. Under the spring-loaded button, a plate with a attached to the knob lower section and one touching the rear wheel upper section are located. If the rear foot does not press the button exerts (when not driving), the upper section can apply the pressure maintain the rear wheel. Once the rear foot of the driver on the back of the board (and over the button), the upper one releases Section of the plate the pressure from the wheel. This means that itself The rear wheel can rotate freely as soon as the rear foot of the driver standing on the skateboard; as soon as the driver descends, acts the brake automatically and stops the skateboard.

These Brake design can also be used as a progressive brake when driving can be used simply by slightly bending the rear foot so that the button moves up slightly below the foot can be to act the required amount of braking force to let.

One further suitable accessory is a form of footstrap, at the feet Driving a roller board according to the invention to provide a better fitting fit. The footstrap can be formed of angled, flexible plates, which for the front Walk from Frame out up and back and for behind the back foot in front. The riders simply turn their feet around to get under foot straps and turn your feet back to get free. This system is for designed for trouble-free use, without causing the difficulties when trying to slip in and out of conventional foot straps and the resulting dangers arise through slow release.

advanced Drivers could however conventional foot straps of the type used in windsurfing boards for extra foot safety will, if maneuvers like jumps carried out become.

The The skateboard of the present invention could also be used with a detachable Be provided handlebar set. For example, you can by integration a quick release Connector on the axle of the front wheel or near the hinge point of the fork element a roll-like Fasten the handlebar on the skateboard. The skateboard goes with it attached handlebar like a scooter, allowing the driver to a venue drive, remove the handlebars and drive the skateboard downhill can before the handlebar is attached again to drive home.

The Skating board of the present invention may also be used in conjunction with Dragons are used. If you hold a handle that is at one end of a Dragon's rope is attached, the skateboard can by the wind force be moved, whereby halves and helical maneuvers are performed can.

Further For example, the skateboard of the present invention is well suited to over the non-steering wheel driven by motors. One can use small gasoline and electric motors to set up the skateboard even surfaces forward or even hills to go up after it has rolled down without a drive. electric motors are practical, because the engine is recharged when going down the hill and then can be turned on to bring the skateboard back up the hill, so that the total charge of the battery is minimized.

It is provided that the skateboard of the present invention Surface conditions operated which can range from flat asphalt / bitumen to grass and dirt rich, so for example on local parks, parking lots and open sloping fields.

As well like the front wheel of the skateboard of the present invention itself The rear wheel may be present in another aspect of the present Invention in similar How to swing the front wheel when a narrower turning radius should be required. It is also intended as a further alternative that the front wheel could be fixed, the rear wheel swings.

The The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings Drawings described.

DESCRIPTION THE DRAWINGS

It demonstrate:

1 a side view of a roller board according to the invention;

2 : a top view of the skateboard from 1 ;

3 : a side view of a front wheel of the skateboard of 1 on an enlarged scale;

4 : a top view of the front wheel of 3 ;

5 : a perspective view of the skateboard of 1 to 4 showing the convex arc of the front wheel as it moves through its range of rotation;

6 : a side view of a rear wheel of the skateboard of 1 on an enlarged scale, showing a brake in the actuated state;

7 : one 6 similar representation showing the brake in the de-energized state;

8th : a top view of the rear wheel of 7 ;

9 Fig. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of a fork joint which can be used in the skateboard of the present invention; and

10 : a top view of the fork joint of 9 ,

DESCRIPTION THE INVENTION

In the 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings is a skateboard according to the invention 10 represented a frame 12 , a front wheel 14 and a rear wheel 16 includes. The wheel 14 is for axial rotation on one axis 15 attached, whereas the wheel 16 for axial rotation on one axis 17 is attached. As will be described, the front wheel is 14 further arranged for lateral pivotal movement, whereas the rear wheel 16 is fixed laterally.

The frame 12 includes two spaced, longitudinal frame members 18 from the front to the back of the skateboard 10 run. Each frame element 18 includes an outwardly curved front portion near the wheel 14 (in 2 visible); a middle section where the frame elements 18 curved inward so as to be relatively close together; and a rear section near the wheel 16 in which the frame elements are curved outwards. 1 shows that the frame elements 18 in the longitudinal direction to a point near the center of the wheel 14 are curved upwards; they are then the middle of the frame 12 down and then to the axis 17 of the wheel 16 curved upwards. The widened section near the front wheel 14 allows the wheel 14 can pivot about a substantial angle. The widened section near the rear wheel 16 allows the rear section of a board 20 can be wide enough to comfortably accommodate one foot. It can also be seen that the wider frame sections have a relatively high ground clearance compared to the central area of the frame.

Cross over the frame elements 18 is a two-piece board 20 attached. The front part of the board 20 is a flat element with a front, L-shaped footrest that holds the toes firmly 22 which is attached to it. The back part of the board 20 has the shape of a flat plate with a rear, upwardly extending foot stop 24 ,

The wheel 14 is with a tire 26 and the wheel 16 with a tire 28 Mistake.

1 shows that the frame elements 18 forward over the axle 15 run out and near the wheel 14 below the plane of the axis 15 are arranged. You can see that the frame elements 18 through a fork element 30 around the front of the wheel 14 around and back to the axle 15 runs, with the wheel 14 are connected. The fork element 30 is fixed to the axle 15 connected and also by a joint 32 articulated with the frame elements 18 connected at the front ends. 1 shows that the joint point is below the plane of the axis 15 and further below the plane of the axis 17 located.

3 shows that a line 34 from the axis 15 through the center of the joint 32 a counter angle 36 forms with the ground. The angle 36 is the fork element angle discussed above. A line 38 also runs at right angles to the line 34 through the joint 32 and forms a counter angle with the ground 40 , The angle 40 is the hinge arch angle discussed above.

Referring to 4 can the fork 30 and the wheel 14 including the tire 26 over the joint 32 free between the frame elements 18 swing back and forth. The swivel arm fork unit 30 has appropriately shaped side plates 100 that act as stops against the frame elements 18 serve to prevent the wheel 14 too far pivots and the tires 26 the frame elements 18 touch.

In 5 are a front wheel 14 and the convex curve 42 represented by the front wheel 14 emotional.

If the middle of the joint 32 at axis height with the hinge arch angle 40 at 90 degrees to the ground (vertical), the wheel itself would effectively swing around horizontally ken and describe an imaginary big 3D donut.

If now the center of the joint 32 as in the present invention under axis height with the hinge arc angle 40 Assuming it is 45 degrees from the ground, the wheel itself effectively swings around, describing an imaginary large 3D donut with a 45 degree tilt in this example. The highest part of the donut is located halfway between the frame elements 18 , When weight on the joint 32 (ie the driver is standing on the skateboard) then the swivel joint is centered 30 therefore directly at the highest point of the donut (the apex of the convex curve) 42 ).

In the 6 to 8th one can see more clearly an embodiment of a brake mechanism 50 for the skateboard 10 of the present invention.

6 shows that the brake mechanism 50 an L-shaped element 52 usually by a spring 62 is spring-loaded, so that an upwardly extending brake element 54 on the edge of the tire 28 the rear wheel 16 is applied. Furthermore, the element has 52 a generally horizontal lower element 56 that is under the back of the board 20 is arranged. The lower element 56 has an upwardly extending front section 58 passing through an opening in the board 20 survives and with a generally horizontal button section 60 connected is. If the driver has a foot on the back section of the board 20 The foot presses the button section 60 go down that section 56 and the element 58 pans down. This causes the brake element 54 disengaged from the edge of the tire 28 of the wheel 16 is brought (in 7 and 8th shown).

Once the driver gets his foot off the back section of the board 20 takes, the L-shaped element returns 52 in the in 6 shown position back, giving braking force to the wheel 16 acts.

In the 9 and 10 is a mounting arrangement for the swivel arm fork element 30 of the joint 32 shown. 9 shows that the fork element 30 an upper plate 80 and a parallel lower plate 82 may include.

10 shows that the plates 80 and 82 through a bow 84 in front of the wheel 14 run.

The plates 80 and 82 Both are over side plates 100 and the fork unit firmly connected by a bolt 86 connected by the aligned openings of the plates 80 and 82 runs and threadedly engaged with a nut 88 stands to be held in its place. The bolt 86 between the plates 80 and 82 surrounding is a bearing housing 90 firmly attached to the front of each frame element 18 is connected and an upper roller bearing 92 and a lower roller bearing 94 contains. In the camp 92 fits a flange connection socket 96 whereas a flange connection bushing 98 in the warehouse 94 fits. The sockets 96 and 98 borders on the bolt 86 and the plates 80 and 82 at.

At the in 9 and 10 The arrangement shown may be the bolt 86 , the plates 80 and 82 as well as the sockets 96 and 98 axially relative to the bearing housing 90 and rotate the frame as they move through the roller bearings 92 and 94 can rotate freely.

The skateboard 10 is used in his use by a driver who places his foot on the board 20 near the front wheel and the rear foot on the board closest to the rear wheel - probably on the rear footrest 24 - placed. Further, the button becomes 60 pressed down by the rear foot to the brake mechanism 50 to disengage.

The skateboard 10 In particular, it can be driven downhill on many different surfaces, including level asphalt or concrete, but also uneven ground such as grass surfaces.

The arrangement of the below the plane of the axis 15 with the frame 18 connected fork element 30 make sure the front wheel 14 Center yourself while the skateboard 10 is driven upright, and that it only tends to one side or the other, when the driver a slope in the skateboard 10 to drive it along a curved path. The direction of travel of the skateboard 10 is thus automatically controlled by the displacement of the driver's weight, without separate steering mechanisms or devices such as handlebars are required to the pivotal movement of the front wheel 14 to regulate.

modifications and changes, which would be obvious to a person skilled in the art, for example, should be considered as that they are within the scope of the present invention. Even though the two-wheeled Rollbrett execution is preferred, for example, provided that the skateboard more than two wheels could have. For example, instead of a single wheel at the back a pair of wheels be provided, which are attached to a single axis.

Claims (15)

Inline skateboard ( 10 ) comprising a longitudinal extending frame ( 12 ), the aligned wheels ( 14 . 16 ), with the wheels on axles ( 15 . 17 ) and one of the wheels ( 14 ) is a foremost steering wheel, characterized in that the frame ( 12 ) hinged with the foremost steering wheel ( 14 ) at one point below and in front of the axle ( 15 ) of this wheel is connected. Inline skateboard according to claim 1, characterized in that it has two wheels ( 14 . 16 ), which on respective axes ( 15 . 17 ) are attached. Roll board according to claim 2, characterized in that a rear wheel ( 16 ) non-articulated with the frame ( 12 ) connected is. Roll board according to claim 3, characterized in that the foremost steering wheel ( 14 ) by a fork element ( 30 ) with the frame ( 12 ) connected is. Roll board according to claim 4, characterized in that the fork element ( 30 ) fixed to the axis ( 15 ) of the foremost steering wheel ( 14 ) and forward to a hinge connection ( 32 ) with the frame ( 12 ) runs. Skateboard according to claim 5, characterized in that the fork element ( 30 ) with the axis ( 15 ) on opposite sides of the foremost steering wheel ( 14 ) and forward on both sides of the foremost steering wheel ( 14 ) and has a bridge-like connecting portion which around a front portion of the foremost steering wheel ( 14 ), wherein the bridge-like connecting portion of the articulated connection ( 32 ) with the frame ( 12 ) contains. A skateboard according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the fork element ( 30 ) is arranged at an angle in the range of 10 to 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal. Roll board according to claim 7, characterized in that the fork element ( 30 ) is arranged at an angle in the range of 20 to 25 degrees with respect to the horizontal. A skateboard according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the frame ( 12 ) two longitudinal elements ( 18 ) adjacent to the foremost steering wheel ( 14 ) are widely spaced to allow rotational movement of the foremost steering wheel ( 14 ) in the transverse direction. Roll board according to claim 9, characterized in that a board ( 20 ) of the longitudinal elements ( 18 ) to form a support for the foot of a driver. A skateboard according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a braking means ( 50 ) is provided, when a driver of the skateboard ( 10 ) descends or falls, a rotation of one or more of the wheels ( 14 . 16 ) by engaging with one or more of the wheels ( 14 . 16 ), the brake means ( 50 ) is disabled by a foot of the driver when the driver is on the skateboard ( 10 ) stands. Roll board according to claim 11, characterized in that the braking means ( 50 ) an element ( 52 ), which is arranged so that it is attached to a wheel ( 14 . 16 ) is applied when a driver is not on the skateboard, but is arranged to be under the pressure of a foot of the rider from the wheel (fig. 14 . 16 ) is moved when a driver is on the skateboard ( 10 ) is located. A skateboard according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each wheel ( 14 . 16 ) has a diameter of at least 300 mm. Roll board according to claim 13, characterized in that each wheel ( 14 . 16 ) has a diameter in the range of 400 to 600 mm. A skateboard according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the skateboard ( 10 ) is driven by a motor.